Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2027
- Apply before January 2027
Language
English
English proficiency requirements:
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- TOEFL iBT: 100 (or 5 on the new TOEFL iBT 1-6 CEFR-aligned score)
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
Credits
240 ECTS
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Vienna, Austria
Disciplines
- International Relations
- Political Science
Overview
The PhD program in Political Science - International Relations at Central European University (CEU) investigates the interconnectedness of social, political and economic realms within the domestic, comparative and international economic context. The overlapping processes of globalization, macroregional integration and changing relations between public authorities and private market actors require scholars to apply new interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the complexity of the new politico-economic phenomena and test these theoretical propositions empirically.
Careers
As a graduate of the doctoral program in Political Science, you will be well prepared to compete for positions at prestigious academic institutions and in other professional areas where critical thinking, communication and advanced research skills are particularly important, such as public administration, data analysis, publishing, journalism and media.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Comparative Case Study Research
- Advanced Methods in Political Philosophy
- Applied Policy Research
- Critical Qualitative Research Methods
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
- GRE: Required
- GMAT: Required
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- TOEFL iBT: 100 (or 5 on the new TOEFL iBT 1-6 CEFR-aligned score)
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants should have an MA or equivalent in political science studies or a related discipline.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your work
- Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words)
- Research proposal (maximum 1,500 words excluding references). The research proposal must be rooted in the relevant scholarly literature and demonstrate an understanding of the state of the art in your field.
Students who submit doctoral research proposals on:
- International Relations (IR): conflict and security studies, international law and global governance, populism in international politics, foreign policy analysis and IR theory.
Tuition Fees
- International: 24,135 AUD / year (≈ 15,000 EUR / year)
- EU/EEA: 24,135 AUD / year (≈ 15,000 EUR / year)
Additional Details
Doctoral programs (year 1): 15,000 EUR. Doctoral programs after comprehensive examination (years 2, 3, and 4): 5,000 EUR
Living costs
Vienna, Austria: 1,385-2,142 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
PhD scholarship opportunities are available for Political Science - International Relations, including:
- Academic Achievement Award for First-Year Doctoral Students (Grant 500 EUR, deadline 15 Jan 2027)
- Award for Advanced Doctoral Students (Grant 800 EUR, deadline 15 Jan 2027)
- Winter School Grant (Grant 1500 EUR, deadline 07 Nov 2026)
